Manuel Caballero, 84, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, surrounded by his adoring family. He was a unique and caring individual who touched the lives of all who knew and loved him. Born August 5, 1933, to Roman and Lucinda Caballero in Matienzo, Spain. At the age of 19, he immigrated to the United States, as a sheep herder in the state of Arizona. He married the love of his life, Dorothy in 1957 and enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Soon after their marriage, in 1958, he purchased a small dairy farm in Mesa, Arizona where he began to live his dream as a dairyman. Manuel was a member of United Dairymen of Arizona for 59 years and served on the board of directors for 17 years. Manuel had two great loves…the love for his family and the love for his cows! He enjoyed breeding quality, registered Brown Swiss and Holstein cattle and spent many years as an exhibitor at the Arizona State Fair, Arizona Black and White Show, and many other shows. He shared his love of animals and his show ring talents with countless youth as a 4-H leader for 23 years. Manuel is survived by his wife, Dorothy, 3 daughters; Cindy Arrington (Dwayne), Lori Hibbard (Don), Stephanie Gray (Charlie), son; Craig Caballero (Heather), 14 Grandchildren; Ryan Arrington, Lucinda Stapleton (J.T.) Vincent Arrington (Brittany), Eric Hibbard (Jackie), Whitney Hyde (Travis), Hillary Van Hofwegen (Preston), Ashley Ellixson (Tom), Kyle Newhall-Caballero (Chelsea), Courtney Newhall-Caballero, Vanessa Quevedo (Jeremy), John Samaniego, Anika Samaniego, Joseph Caballero, Ethan Caballero, 10 Great Grandchildren, 4 sisters, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by a great grand-daughter. Visitation is Friday, September 8, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home 4800 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85018. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Basilica 231 North 3rd St. Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the Caballero family requests that donations be sent to the Arizona Milk Producers Scholarship fund. Please make checks out to UDA-Scholarship Fund. Mail to 510 South 52nd Street, Suite 101 Tempe, AZ 85281. His legacy of loving support, respect and devotion will continue to send ripples through our lives, and if we honor this legacy the lives of our future will forever be blessed.
Julie Adams
What an incredible man. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time. I’m sending lots of prayersand Hugs to all of you. You all are such an amazing family I wish the best for all of you . Peace and love , Julie Adams
Patricia Medrano
To The Caballero Family,
Mr. Caballero will always hold a place in everyone ‘s heart who met him. I have such good memories of him from our 4-H years. I send to all of you lots of love and prayers. What a wonderful legacy he leaves and what great memories.
Patti Newton
Lorna Sly
Stephanie, sending my sincere sympathies for your loss. How wonderful it is to have had the gift of such a hard-working and loving father.
May God show his love and blessings to you and your family during this time of sadness and be comforted.
Bob and Jayne Collier
A great dairyman and a wonderful father and human being! He leaves a great legacy in his family!
DIANE BLANCO
HOW VERY DIFFICULT IT IS PUT DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS OF SOMEONE THAT HAS BLESSED YOUR LIFE FOR SIXTY ONE YEARS. MANUEL WAS AN INCREDIBLE HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER AND FRIEND. HE MADE AN IMPACT ON SO MANY PEOPLE WITHOUT BEING AWARE OF IT. HE WAS NEVER AFRAID TO SHOW HIS EMOTIONS. MACHO BUT SO VERY GENTLE. OUR GENTLE GIANT HAS MOVED ON BUT OUR LOVE FOR HIM AND ALL THE MEMORIES HE LEFT US WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.
Jeanette Gibson
I remember when I was in high school, an assignment was to write a description of someone I admired. My mom suggested Manuel (whom she adored), and I wrote about him–what he looked like, his origins, what he had achieved. As the years passed, my esteem and affection for him grew as I came to know a man with inner strength but was always kind, gentle and generous with everyone. He was a blessing to our family…a reassuring presence that will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Aaron Dunn
Caballero Family, your father will always be rembebed by me as one of the most generous men I have ever met. He and your mother are a wonderful example of love and family, and his legacy lives on in each one of you. My condolences to your entire amazing family.
Love, Aaron Dunn and family.
Cheryl Potter Roe
My heart is breaking for all of the Caballero family. My childhood is full of time spent playing on the dairy, Fairs and 4-H. High school football games and always Manual and family in the center. May God comfort you in such a great loss to you all. Know that prayers are being said through tears. God Bless your hearts.
armida banks
May the wonderful memories of Manuel help ease the hearts of all who loved him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy and all the family.
Armida Banks
Wilbur & Linda Post
It was truly an honor to meet this very special person. He was always very kind to my family whenever we were around him. You will be missed for sure Manuel but never forgotten. Prayers to the people left behind that will miss you very much. We know you are healthy and happy up in heaven with the angels…..God be with you all.
Richard and Sissy Riley
May he rest In peace! Such a kind, caring man! We were pleased to know him and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family !
Carmen Heart
I only met Manuel once, when I came out for my brother Charlie’s wedding to his daughter Stephanie. He seemed like such a wonderful man. He had to be in order to raise such awesome children and grandchildren. So sorry for your loss Dorothy and to the entire Caballero family. Our prayers are with you. Carmen Heart, Unity, Wisconsin
Gil Stafford
I will always remember Mr Caballero as man of strength and deep love for his family. He supported Craig and the Canyon baseball team at every game – home and road. He was always encouraging of the program and everyone involved. I deeply appreciated his presence. It was a privilege to know him. My prayers are offered for the family. Many blessings for his soul in eternity.